Adhesive Tapes in Papyrus Conservation Mounting – Risks Associated with Their Application

Adhesive tapes have long been used in conservation mounting practice for various purposes, whether to attach exhibits to backing materials or to bond protective glazing. The type of application and selection of adhesive tapes not only reveal the conservator’s signature but are also an expression of the spirit of the times and the development history of the materials used. However, the aging of adhesives can pose risks to the durability of the bonds and to the exhibits themselves. This article presents the results of investigations into aged adhesive tapes using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and infrared microscopy (IR), with a particular focus on papyrus glazing.